The most common thing to do on Earth Day is to give back to Mother Nature by planting a few trees, but is this enough, considering how many trees mankind pulls down a year?
Statistics show that around 70% of the population is under 30 years old, and Africa is the world’s youngest continent. However, numerous challenges like poor education, unemployment and unsustainable practices in various industries, have given the youth another thing to worry about, climate change.
However, a student at the University of Pretoria, Courtney Gehle is the co-founder and chairperson of the campus environmental society called The Greenline. The society works with the university to improve environmental sustainability on campus, as well as educate students about important environmental issues.
Gehle has been hard at work, and it’s paying off as she is a nominee for the 2016 Eco-Youth Award in the Eco-Logic Awards taking place in Cape Town and she will also be facilitating the Youth & the Green Economy Seminar taking place at the CSIR International Conference Centre in Tshwane on 2 June 2016 as part of Sustainabilty Week 2016.
“I challenge each and every person in South Africa to do their part this Earth Day by participating in at least one initiative. Every little bit helps, and contributes to the larger cause – saving our planet for our children and future generations,” said Gehle.
Here’s seven ways you can help:
- Stop using plastic – It takes ages to biodegrade and causes havoc in nature as many animals end up ingesting it and dying as a result.
- Create compost – Consider how much food goes to waste in your household alone. Instead of chucking it away, use it as compost in your garden.
- Plant trees – Your homemade compost will certainly come in handy with this one.
- Cut down on meat – The meat industry contributes an astounding amount to the man-made greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Help make a difference by limiting the amount of meat you eat.
- Go local – While supporting local businesses should always be a must, buying your produce locally will help reduce your carbon footprint.
- Recycle – This is a no-brainer really, but recycling your electronic devices needs to become a priority as well. Make sure to take your e-waste to a recycling center as soon as it‘s lifespan is over.
- Unsubscribe – Everyone hates junk mail, but not as much as Mother Nature does. Opt out of annoying subscriptions and remove yourself from databases that aren’t relevant to you.
Click here for more tips.
Details: www.sustainabilityweek.co.za
